Posted: Feb 07 2005 at 1:57pm | IP Logged

What puzzles me about this is just exactly how did the mud get into the engine?

I looked at my Titan and assuming the inner fender was loose or not there at all, I can see how mud would get into the engine compartment.  However, I would think that when the tire is spinning the mud would be flung mostly to the rear of the vehicle and the rear portion of the fender well.  Additionally, it would seem logical to assume that the mud flinging would be radially outward and diminish the further the tire rotated – IOW more mud at the back of the fender well, less mud at the front of the fender well.  And it is towards the front of the fender well that the intake for the airbox is located.  Be that as it may, the more perplexing question is how the mud got down into the engine.

In looking at the intake on my Titan, I can see where it would be possible for mud to enter the airbox.  However, once inside the airbox, the mud would have to pass through/around the air filter.  It seems to me that compromising the air filter would take some doing.  Not saying it can’t happen (lord knows I’ve seen some almost impossible things occur), just that several factors would have to come into play for the air filter to allow passage of the mud into the intake track.

My curiosity meter is pegged.  I can’t wait to see photos.

Tom

Posted: Feb 08 2005 at 2:55am | IP Logged

Yep, seeing is believing....

Posted: Feb 08 2005 at 10:04am | IP Logged

Nothing to contribute other than bad news. There is no way ( normal use) for mud to get past the air filter. Muddy water yes. K&N & the throttle down after it got bounced around? Hell yes. Does the oil look white?

It could be worse. At least it's not domestic. I bought two flood damaged acuras once. Water got into a piston & bent a connecting rod on one. Blew a hole in the block on the other. In acuras, hopefully nissans too. The con rod has a clearance tolerance # stamped on it. So does the crank. On a chart you can match both #'s to find what bearing you need. I took a piston out of the blown motor. Matched it up with the crank #. Boom back in buisness. Didn't even take the engine out.

Change the oil. Run a compression check. Hopefully only one is bad.

Your time is better spent resolving the problem. Looking for a way to blame it on nissan is a waste of time.  I wouldn't want  to eat the cost of a repair like this either. Sorry if it seems harsh. Go to the fourm vidios & photos. Look at the post that starts with what's up peeps. It doesn't matter how good a tool is. People will allways find a way to break it.

Posted: Feb 09 2005 at 2:40pm | IP Logged

Also, I called my brother again and talked to him again...I think he was just so pissed that this happened in the first place he might have exagereted the extent of the mud that got sucked up...  I think it just filled the airbox and choked out the engine...I really don't think it would have gone all the way past the TB and intake manifold and all that...I only reported what he said "engine full of mud!"  I think it will be an easy fix, but we will see.  Unfortunatly I think even if we get it fixed pretty easily he might still trade it in on a new dodge diesel.  (he has always been a dodge guy...2 power wagons a ram charger and a dart and the Titan which I had convinced him to buy in the first place)  I hope we can get it fixed and convince him to keep it and get a lift kit for it, but right now he is really leaning to.wards the ram.

like I said I'll keep you posted on this.

Posted: Feb 09 2005 at 7:02pm | IP Logged

I think your right. It shouldn't be that bad off. The air filter had to stop most of the grit. If he's thinking dodge. Now wolud be the time. Do it quick just incase. If it starts smoking he's screwed for real. Good luck.

Posted: Feb 15 2005 at 12:15pm | IP Logged

brendan wrote: As it turns out it seems like the plastic fender liner was loose so it could allow the mud to fling up off the tire and into the intake snorkel.

The plastic fender liner also shook loose on mine while out 4 wheelin. These are not held on with good hardware. Luckily I didnt have this engine problem...I was in deep mud and water while 4 wheelin. I still need to take it in and complain...will make sure to before going back out.

Posted: Feb 15 2005 at 9:12pm | IP Logged

Damn sad to see it bro. Hoped it wouldn't be that bad. Can't beleive that much crap could get passed a stock air filter. They probably won't either. Then again, if the fender didn't freakin fall off. There wouldn't be a problem. Tuff call. I was all set to say they make good trucks, not good submarines. The pics don't look like it was hardcore at all. Give us some good news. I'm starting to loose the faith.

Posted: Feb 16 2005 at 1:57am | IP Logged

brendan wrote: He knows that this wasnt' Nissan's fault, that it was just a combination of events.

I would like to reiterate that the same thing happened to me. I was 4 wheelin in mud and water and I had ALOT more mud on my truck. When I got home I found out that the interior fender cover had snapped off loose and was just hanging on. I guess I am lucky that the motor didnt take a bite like this one...although I am still confused how this really happened. The photos shown dont come anywhere NEAR the type of mud and muck I was going through. I was going through huge holes and I was really tearing it up (showboating). I remember at the end of my run I slammed the front of the truck down hard into a hole that I hadnt seen coming. I am thinking the front wheel (tire) popped right through the fender cover deal.